Heated Seats, Pad Heater

Heated Seats, Pad Heater


On vehicles equipped with heated cloth seats, the heating elements are an integral part of the seat cushion and cover. If the heating element is damaged or inoperative, the seat cushion and cover must both be replaced.

• On vehicles equipped with heated leather seats, the factory installed heating element can be removed from the seat foam by carefully peeling the element off along the adhesive lines.

• Seat back cushion shown. Seat bottom cushion similar.

Description







Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat system have two heated seat elements (2) located in each front row and 2nd row seat. One heating element is used for each seat bottom cushion and another for each seat back cushion.

All of the heated seat elements consist of multiple heating circuits operating in parallel throughout the carbon fiber element and a wire lead and connector (2). The heated seat elements are captured between the seat cover and the seat cushion (3). If a malfunction occurs in one or more of the individual circuits, the remaining operational circuits will continue to provide heat.







• Typical Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) shown.

All models have an Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) (3) on the front passenger seat bottom cushion (1). The ODS is located directly below the seat bottom cover. This sensor provides information to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) used for control of the passenger belt alert feature. Refer to => [ Occupant Detection Sensor ] Description and Operation.

Whenever an ODS has been removed from a heater element (2), it must be replaced with a new ODS unit. Refer to => [ Occupant Detection Sensor ] Description and Operation.

Operation

One end of the heated seat element is connected to ground at all times through a splice under the seat. Battery current is directed to the other end of the heated seat element by the heated seat module. The heated seat module will energize the heated seat element when the heated seat switch is depressed in the LOW or HIGH position.

As electrical current passes through the heated seat element, the resistance of the wire used in the element disperses some of the electrical current in the form of heat. The heat produced by the heated seat element then radiates through the underside of the seat cushion and seat back trim covers, warming the seat cover and its occupant.